Expert Available to Discuss Fourth of July History and Pageantry

Newswise — Grandiose displays of fireworks, parades and concerts are hallmarks of celebrating the Fourth of July. According to James Heintze, American University librarian emeritus and author of the newly published "The Fourth of July Encyclopedia," not much has changed since 1776 in terms of how we celebrate America's birthday.

"The fireworks, the parades, the music, the costumes date all the way back," Heintze said. "The degree and character change with the times, but the patriotism is always the same."

Heintze has compiled one of the most extensive databases about the Fourth of July. The database, which can be viewed at http://gurukul.american.edu/heintze/fourth.htm, documents selected celebrations and events that have occurred from the first Fourth of July in 1776 to present day. Among the numerous unique facts and events listed are:

"¢ The United States observes no national holidays (holidays mandated across all 50 states by the Federal government), including the Fourth of July. Congress and/or the president can legally establish an "official" holiday, but only for federal employees and the District of Columbia. States and municipalities decide whether to adopt holidays observed by the federal government."¢ In 1808, residents of Richmond, Va., resolved that only liquor produced in this country would be consumed at July Fourth celebrations. This was a result of the tension between the United States and Great Britain that eventually lead to the War of 1812."¢ In 1942, the first Fourth of July after the United States entered World War II, fireworks in most cities were canceled due to blackouts. Many citizens went work to do their part for the war effort. "¢ In 2006, the first ever launch of a space shuttle on the Fourth of July occurred when the shuttle Discovery lifted off at Kennedy Space Center. Astronaut Stephanie D. Wilson became the second African American female to be launched into space.

Heintze has also chronicled how each American president celebrated the Fourth of July.

"In 1911, William Howard Taft celebrated the Fourth of July in one of the most unique ways experienced by one of our presidents," Heintze said. "He went to Indianapolis, which was the farthest west any president to that date had traveled to celebrate. In honor of his visit, the people of Indianapolis held a locomotive collision. A grandstand was built for Taft to get the best view of two trains smashing into each other at full-throttle speed."

'The Fourth of July Encyclopedia" is published by McFarland & Company Inc., Publishers, and is available on the Web at http://www.mcfarlandpub.com.

American University (http://www.american.edu) is a leader in global education, enrolling a diverse student body from throughout the U.S. and nearly 150 countries. Located in Washington, D.C., the university provides opportunities for academic excellence, public service and internships in the nation's capital and around the world.